DEC 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Overview

In a surprise move, Mercedes Benz India not only showcased the European-spec production vehicle of its smallest SUV at the 2014 Delhi Motor Show, but also confirmed that the GLA-Class will grace the Indian shores before the end of 2014.

Based on the MFA platform as the A - and the B-, the GLA-Class is Merc’s smallest SUV offering yet. Progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and with serious off-road capability, the GLA-Class impressively reinterprets the compact SUV segment. “Sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury” - this was the theme given to the designers, while crafting the GLA SUV. The aim was to create striking features, clear contours and smooth surfaces, while exuding a balance between modernity and avant-garde. It’s suffice to say that the designers of the baby-SUV did a splendid job with the product brief they had received. The prominent front end of the SUV with a central star lends a muscular and superior impression to the GLA. Add to it the diamond-pattern grille, the sporty bonnet, the characteristic LED daytime running lights and the dropping roof line and you have the very definition of a sculpted Mercedes Benz compact SUV.

The muscular and imposing appearance of the exteriors systematically continues on the inside with the choice and combination of high-grade materials. All trim surfaces are galvanized in silver shadow for material authenticity. The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, five round air vents and a large free-standing high-gloss display in piano - black. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys come as standard. The baby-SUV will bring with it, a wide range of seat upholsteries and colour combinations to choose from, allowing plenty of scope for individualisation; and of course, the high-tech Merc package loaded with a host of entertainment, safety and connectivity features.

Under the hood of the baby-SUV, expect to see a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The diesel engine is rated to churn out 170PS of max power and 350Nm of peak torque. The 0 to 100 kmph mark is reached in 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 215 kmph. The petrol engine on the other hand, is rated at 156PS and 250Nm.

When launched, the Mercedes Benz GLA-Class will compete with the likes of Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Volvo V40 Cross Country in the Indian market. The crossover will be brought into the country via the CBU route.